User interface for tax-return preparation

ABSTRACT

A method is implementable in an electronic system coupled to an electronic device, which is, in turn, coupled to a display device. A web page displayable on the display device is served to the electronic device. The displayed web page includes a user interface, which, in turn, includes a frame and at least one stile defining a plurality of panes within the frame. In a first one of the panes, at least one field into which a tax-data provider can input tax data is displayed. In a second one of the panes, information of a first type of a plurality of information types operable to assist the provider in performing a first operation of a set of operations using the user interface is displayed. Input tax data is received from the electronic device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation, and claims priority benefitwith regard to all common subject matter, of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/334,033, filed Jan. 17, 2006, entitled “USER INTERFACE FORTAX-RETURN PREPARATION,” which is now U.S. Pat. No. 8,224,726, issuedJul. 17, 2012 (“the '726 Patent”). The '726 Patent is a non-provisionalapplication and claims priority benefit from U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/644,328, filed Jan. 14, 2005, entitled “SYSTEM ANDMETHOD FOR ONLINE FRAME, REMEMBER-ME TAX INTERVIEW AND HYBRID DESKTOPFOR ONLINE TAX FILING.” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/334,032,filed Jan. 17, 2006, and entitled “DISTRIBUTED TAX-RETURN-PREPARATIONPROCESSING,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/334,730, filed Jan.17, 2006, and entitled “USER INTERFACE AND DATA ACQUISITION FORTAX-RETURN PREPARATION” are related applications and are commonly ownedwith the present application. The earlier-filed patent and patentapplications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety intothe present application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to graphical user interfaces and, morespecifically, to a user interface enabling a user to prepare a taxreturn.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many of those who prepare tax returns are familiar with the myriadtax-return-preparation-software products currently available. Typically,these products enable a user to prepare a tax return by leading the userthrough a series of interview questions that solicit informationnecessary to prepare the return. Many of these questions are infamousfor their tendency to cause the return preparer to be confused about thetype and/or amount of data needed to answer the question. While thesetax-return products often do provide links to information that can clearup the preparer's confusion, these links invariably require the preparerto transition away from display of the interview question to display ofone or more pages of the desired information. Consequently, the preparermay find it difficult or otherwise inconvenient to navigate back to theinterview question once the desired information is obtained.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment of the invention, a method is implementable in anelectronic system coupled to an electronic device, which is, in turn,coupled to a display device. A web page displayable on the displaydevice is served to the electronic device. The displayed web pageincludes a user interface, which, in turn, includes a frame and at leastone stile defining a plurality of panes within the frame. In a first oneof the panes, at least one field into which a tax-data provider caninput tax data is displayed. In a second one of the panes, informationof a first type of a plurality of information types operable to assistthe provider in performing a first operation of a set of operationsusing the user interface is displayed. Input tax data is received fromthe electronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention aredescribed in detail below with reference to the following drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary operating environment inwhich an embodiment of the invention can be implemented;

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary operatingenvironment in which an embodiment of the invention can be implemented;

FIG. 3 is a first schematic view of a graphical user interface (GUI)according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a second schematic view of the GUI according to an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a first portion of the GUI according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a second portion of the GUI according toan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a first method according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a second method according to anembodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a third method according to anembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a suitable computing system environment100 on which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. Thecomputing system environment 100 is only one example of a suitablecomputing environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation asto the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the invention.Neither should the computing environment 100 be interpreted as havingany dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination ofcomponents illustrated in the exemplary operating environment 100.

Embodiments of the invention are operational with numerous othergeneral-purpose or special-purpose computing-system environments orconfigurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments,and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with embodiments ofthe invention include, but are not limited to, personal computers,server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems,microprocessor-based systems, set-top boxes, programmable consumerelectronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers,distributed-computing environments that include any of the above systemsor devices, and the like.

Embodiments of the invention may be described in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.Embodiments of the invention may also be practiced indistributed-computing environments where tasks are performed by remoteprocessing devices that are linked through a communications network. Ina distributed-computing environment, program modules may be located inboth local- and remote-computer storage media including memory storagedevices.

With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary system for implementing anembodiment of the invention includes a computing device, such ascomputing device 100. In its most basic configuration, computing device100 typically includes at least one processing unit 102 and memory 104.

Depending on the exact configuration and type of computing device,memory 104 may be volatile (such as random-access memory (RAM)),non-volatile (such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.) orsome combination of the two. This most basic configuration isillustrated in FIG. 1 by dashed line 106.

Additionally, device 100 may have additional features/functionality. Forexample, device 100 may also include additional storage (removableand/or non-removable) including, but not limited to, magnetic or opticaldisks or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 1 byremovable storage 108 and non-removable storage 110. Computer storagemedia includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removablemedia implemented in any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modulesor other data. Memory 104, removable storage 108 and non-removablestorage 110 are all examples of computer storage media. Computer storagemedia includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory orother memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which canbe used to store the desired information and which can be accessed bydevice 100. Any such computer storage media may be part of device 100.

Device 100 may also contain communications connection(s) 112 that allowthe device to communicate with other devices. Communicationsconnection(s) 112 is an example of communication media. Communicationmedia typically embodies computer-readable instructions, datastructures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signalsuch as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes anyinformation delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as awired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such asacoustic, radio-frequency (RF), infrared and other wireless media. Theterm computer-readable media as used herein includes both storage mediaand communication media.

Device 100 may also have input device(s) 114 such as keyboard, mouse,pen, voice-input device, touch-input device, etc. Output device(s) 116such as a display, speakers, printer, etc. may also be included.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an embodiment of the present invention can bedescribed in the context of an exemplary computer network system 200 asillustrated. System 200 includes an electronic client device 210, suchas a personal computer or workstation, that is linked via acommunication medium, such as a network 220 (e.g., the Internet), to anelectronic device or system, such as a server 230. The server 230 mayfurther be coupled, or otherwise have access, to a database 240 and acomputer system 260. Although the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2includes one server 230 coupled to one client device 210 via the network220, it should be recognized that embodiments of the invention may beimplemented using one or more such client devices coupled to one or moresuch servers.

In an embodiment, each of the client device 210 and server 230 mayinclude all or fewer than all of the features associated with the device100 illustrated in and discussed with reference to FIG. 1. Client device210 includes or is otherwise coupled to a computer screen or display250. Client device 210 can be used for various purposes including bothnetwork- and local-computing processes.

The client device 210 is linked via the network 220 to server 230 sothat computer programs, such as, for example, a browser, running on theclient device 210 can cooperate in two-way communication with server230. Server 230 may be coupled to database 240 to retrieve informationtherefrom and to store information thereto. Database 240 may include aplurality of different tables (not shown) that can be used by server 230to enable performance of various aspects of embodiments of theinvention. Additionally, the server 230 may be coupled to the computersystem 260 in a manner allowing the server to delegate certainprocessing functions to the computer system.

Still referring to FIG. 2, and in operation according to an embodimentof the invention, a user (not shown) of the client device 210 desiringto electronically prepare a tax return uses a browser applicationrunning on the client device to access web content served by the server230. Specifically, and referring to FIG. 3, by employing an appropriateuniform resource locator (URL) in a known manner, the user may request aweb page 300 to be displayed on the display device 250. As is discussedin further detail below, the web page 300 provides a graphical userinterface that allows the user to input data from which a tax return maybe prepared.

In an embodiment, and still referring to FIG. 3, the displayed web page300 includes a frame 310 and a plurality of stiles 320 arranged todefine a plurality of panes 330 a -330 c within which information can bedisplayed and/or entered. A plurality of selectable items, such asbuttons 340 a-340 j, is disposed within (as illustrated) or outside ofthe frame 310. As is discussed in further detail below, selection of oneor more of the buttons 340 a -340 j enables the user to select the typeof information that the user desires to be displayed in the panes 330 a-330 c and/or access other information useful in preparing a tax return.For example, by selecting button 340 a, the user may access and view oneor more tax forms, such as those produced by the Internal RevenueService (IRS), that may be stored in the database 240 or otherwiseaccessible to the server 230.

In an embodiment, one or more questions (or requests for information)350 of a series of interview questions, which may be divided intosections corresponding to question topics, is presented to the user inpane 330 a. For example, the questions may ask the user (i.e., tax-dataprovider) to perform operations such as providing his/her name andaddress, filing status, number of dependents, amount of interest income,or any other information typically necessary to complete a tax return.Accordingly, one or more fields into which the user can provide therequested information may be displayed within the pane 330 a. The fieldsmay consist of one or more radio buttons 360, alphanumeric-data-entryfields 410 (FIG. 4) and/or other appropriate data-entry fields known inthe art. In an embodiment, after answering a predetermined set ofquestions consisting of all or fewer than all of the interview questionsin the series, the user can request that the server finalize andelectronically file with the appropriate revenue agency (e.g., the IRS)a tax return reflecting the user's answers to the question set.

By selecting one or more of the buttons 340 e, 340 f, the user maynavigate from one section in the series of interview questions to adifferent section in the series of interview questions. For example,after answering the question 350 a in pane 330 a pertaining to filingstatus (FIG. 3), the user may select the “forward” button 340 f one ormore times to transition to display in pane 330 a of question 350 bpertaining to interest income (FIG. 4). Subsequently, the user maytransition back to display of question 350 a in pane 330 a by selectingthe “back” button 340 e one or more times.

Still referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the panes 330 b and 330 c areconfigured to display multiple types of information to assist the userin performing operations including, but not limited to, inputting taxdata into pane 330 a, retrieving information that will better inform theuser's inputting of tax data, and/or evaluating the status of the user'snavigation of the series of interview questions. For example, as shownin FIG. 3, a status indicator 370 including a textual description andgraphical status bar may be displayed in pane 330 b to inform the userof his or her progress in completing the set of interview questions.Display of the status indicator 370 may be prompted by the user'sselection of button 340 b, for example. In the example illustrated inFIG. 3, the status indicator 370 informs the user that he or she hascompleted twenty percent of the questions to be answered. Alternatively,the status indicator 370 may inform the user of the quantity ofquestions remaining rather than completed. While in this mode (i.e.,while button 340 b is selected), the pane 330 b will display the statusindicator 370 updated in a manner corresponding to the progress the usermakes in completing the interview-question sections displayed in pane330 a.

In an embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 4, the user may elect todisplay in the pane 330 b a textual description 420 of the interviewquestion(s) (i.e., type of tax data to be input by the user) posed tothe user in the pane 330 a. Display of the textual description 420 maybe prompted by the user's selection of button 340 c, for example. In theexample illustrated in FIG. 4, the description 420 informs the user thathe or she is currently working on the “Interest Income” section of theinterview-question series. While in this mode (i.e., while button 340 cis selected), the pane 330 b will display the textual description 420updated in a manner corresponding to the interview-question sectiondisplayed in pane 330 a.

In an embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, the user may elect todisplay in the pane 330 b a textual description 510 of the tax-refundamount due the user based on the answers that the user provides to thequestion series. Display of the textual description 510 may be promptedby the user's selection of button 340 d, for example. In the exampleillustrated in FIG. 5, the description 510 informs the user that, basedon the tax data thus far provided, he or she is currently owed a refundof $1000. While in this mode (i.e., while button 340 d is selected), thepane 330 b will display the textual description 510 updated in a mannercorresponding to the refund amount owed the user.

In an embodiment, and referring back to FIG. 3, the user may elect todisplay in the pane 330 c one or more selectable frequently askedquestions (FAQs) 380 pertaining to the type of information solicited bythe question displayed in pane 330 a. In an embodiment, the FAQs 380take the form of a hyperlink to information stored in the database 240and/or other information source accessible to the server 230.Consequently, upon selection of an FAQ by the user, correspondinginformation (not shown) may be displayed in one or more of the panes 330a-330 c. Alternatively, the corresponding information may be displayedin a web page (not shown) provided to the client device 210 by theserver 230. Display of the FAQs 380 may be prompted by the user'sselection of button 340 g, for example. In the example illustrated inFIG. 3, the FAQs 380 a consist of questions pertaining to thefiling-status question displayed in pane 330 a. While in this mode(i.e., while button 340 g is selected), and as illustrated in FIG. 4,the pane 330 c will display the FAQs 380 updated in a mannercorresponding to the interview-question section displayed in pane 330 a.

In an embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, the user may elect todisplay in the pane 330 c instructions 610 pertaining to the type ofinformation solicited by the question displayed in pane 330 a. Displayof the instructions 610 may be prompted by the user's selection ofbutton 340 h, for example. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, theinstructions 610 provide to the user guidance in answering thefiling-status question displayed in pane 330 a (FIG. 3). While in thismode (i.e., while button 340 h is selected), the pane 330 c will displaythe instructions 610 updated in a manner corresponding to theinterview-question section displayed in pane 330 a.

In an embodiment, the user may elect to perform operations includingdisplaying in the panes 330 a-330 c, or one or more web pages (notshown) provided to the client device 210 by the server 230, additionalinformation to aid the user in inputting the required tax data. Forexample, by selecting one or more of the buttons 340 i, 340 j, the usermay be able to prompt a “Help Center” display (not shown) allowing theuser to access, via the server 230, a real-time online discussion with atax expert. Additionally or alternatively, by selecting one or more ofthe buttons 340 i, 340 j, the user may be able to prompt a “Navigator”display (not shown) that provides a list of selectable entriescorresponding to the sections of the question series. Accordingly, byselecting one of these entries, the user may transition directly todisplay in the pane 330 a of one or more specific questions in theseries. Additionally or alternatively, by selecting one or more of thebuttons 340 i, 340 j, the user may be able to prompt a “Bookmark”display (not shown) that allows the user to mark a question and/orselect a previously marked question for later return. Additionally oralternatively, by selecting one or more of the buttons 340 i, 340 j, theuser may be able to prompt a “Summary” display (not shown) that providesa summary of the entered tax data and the impact this entered data hason tax amounts owed by and tax refund due the user.

FIG. 7 illustrates a process 700 according to an embodiment of theinvention. The process 700 is illustrated as a set of operations shownas discrete blocks. The process 700 may be implemented in any suitablehardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof. The order in whichthe operations are described is not to be necessarily construed as alimitation.

At a block 710, a frame and at least one stile defining a plurality ofpanes within the frame is generated in a user interface. For example,the server 230 may generate such a user interface within a web pageserved by the server to the client device 210.

At a block 720, at least one field into which a tax-data provider caninput tax data is displayed in a first one of the panes. For example,one or more radio buttons 360 and/or one or more data-entry fields 410may be displayed in pane 330 a.

At a block 730, information of a first type of a plurality ofinformation types operable to assist the provider in performing a firstoperation of a set of operations using the user interface is displayedin a second one of the panes. For example, the status indicator 370(which may characterize a quantity of the tax data to be input by theprovider), the textual description 420 (which may characterize at leastone type of the tax data to be input by the provider), the textualdescription 510 (which may characterize a tax-refund amount), or otherinformation, as discussed above, may be displayed in pane 330 b, forexample. Additionally, the FAQs 380 and corresponding information, theinstructions 610, or other information, as discussed above, may bedisplayed in pane 330 c, for example.

At a block 740, a tax return is prepared using the input tax data. Forexample, the client device 210 may provide the input tax data to theserver 230. Upon receiving the tax data, the server 230 may be operableto prepare and electronically file a tax return based on the tax data.Alternatively, the server 230 may provide the tax data to the computersystem 260 by which, in turn, a tax return based on the tax data isprepared and electronically filed.

FIG. 8 illustrates a process 800 according to an embodiment of theinvention. The process is implementable in an electronic system coupledto an electronic device, the electronic device being coupled to adisplay device. The process 800 is illustrated as a set of operationsshown as discrete blocks. The process 800 may be implemented in anysuitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof. The orderin which the operations are described is not to be necessarily construedas a limitation.

At a block 810, a web page displayable on the display device is servedto the electronic device. In an embodiment, the web page is served tothe electronic device through a network. The displayed web page includesa user interface having a frame and at least one stile defining aplurality of panes within the frame. At least one field into which atax-data provider can input tax data is displayed in a first one of thepanes. Information of a first type of a plurality of information typesoperable to assist the provider in performing a first operation of a setof operations using the user interface is displayed in a second one ofthe panes.

In an embodiment, the display device includes a display characteristicsuch as, for example, screen resolution. The electronic system may beoperable to configure display of the user interface in accordance withthe display characteristic. For example, the electronic system may,employ a suitable script code to determine the screen resolution. Upondetermining the resolution, the electronic system may adjust the sizeand/or appearance of the user interface to correspond in a predeterminedmanner to the determined screen resolution to enhance the viewability ofthe user interface. Additionally, the user interface may be displayedwithin a window having a display area adjustable by the data provider.As such, the electronic system may adjust the size and/or appearance ofthe user interface to correspond in a predetermined manner toadjustments made to the display area of the window.

At a block 820, the input tax data is received by the electronic systemfrom the electronic device. In an embodiment, the electronic systemsubsequently prepares a tax return using the received input tax data.

FIG. 9 illustrates a process 900 according to an embodiment of theinvention. The process 900 is illustrated as a set of operations shownas discrete blocks. The process 900 may be implemented in any suitablehardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof. The order in whichthe operations are described is not to be necessarily construed as alimitation.

At a block 910, computer-executable instructions are accessed on atleast one first electronic device. When executed on a data-processingsystem, the instructions generate in a user interface a frame and atleast one stile defining a plurality of panes within the frame. Theexecuted instructions display in a first one of the panes at least onefield into which a tax-data provider can input tax data. Additionally,the executed instructions display in a second one of the panesinformation of a first type of a plurality of information types operableto assist the provider in performing a first operation of a set ofoperations using the user interface. Additionally, the executedinstructions may prepare a tax return using the input tax data.

At a block 920, a set of the computer-executable instructions istransferred from the at least one first electronic device to at leastone second electronic device through a communications medium, such as anetwork.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated anddescribed, as noted above, many changes can be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while the userinterface provided by the web page 300 has been primarily describedherein as being served by the server 230 to the client device 210, allof the features and functions of such user interface could beimplemented in an application executed completely or partially by theclient device 210. Consequently, a tax return incorporating tax data,including data entered by the user via such user interface, may beprepared and filed by the client device 210. Accordingly, the scope ofthe invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferredembodiment. In one embodiment, a business method comprises providing oneor more of the features and/or functions described above to users freeof charge over the Internet. In another embodiment, the use of thesystem is provided for preparation of federal tax returns free ofcharge, and charges are only implied for non-federal (e.g. statereturns). Alternatively, use for federal returns is charged, and forothers is free of charge. Instead, the invention should be determinedentirely by reference to the claims that follow.

1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing steps comprising: generating in a user interface a frame and at least one stile defining a plurality of panes within the frame; displaying in a first one of the panes at least one field configured to receive tax data, the tax data comprising a response to a specific solicitation for tax-related information posted in the first one of the panes, the response selected from a set containing both correct and incorrect responses displayed within at least one of the panes, the response being input by a user who is a tax-data provider; displaying in a second one of the panes user-selectable information for assisting the user in determining a correct response from the set of correct and incorrect responses posted in said at least one of the panes, wherein the first one and second one of the panes are displayed in the user interface at the same time upon activation of the user interface; providing for the user to select the user-selectable information in the second one of the panes for assisting the user in determining a correct response; receiving information indicative of a selection by the user of information in the second one of the panes for assisting the user in determining the correct response; displaying in the user interface information for assisting the user in determining the correct response, wherein during said display of information, said at least one field configured to receive tax data in the first one of the panes remains selectable by and fully visible to the user, wherein the display of the information for assisting the user in determining the correct response does not launch another user interface; receiving the response input by the user; and preparing a tax return using the input response.
 2. The medium of claim 1 having further computer-executable instructions for performing the step of displaying in a third one of said panes information of a second type of the plurality of information types operable to assist the provider in performing a first operation of a set of operations using the user interface.
 3. The medium of claim 1 wherein the first-type information is operable to characterize at least one type of the tax data to be input by the provider.
 4. The medium of claim 1 wherein the first-type information is operable to characterize a quantity of the tax data to be input by the provider.
 5. The medium of claim 1 wherein the first-type information is operable to characterize a tax-refund amount.
 6. The medium of claim 1 having further computer-executable instructions for performing the step of generating in the user interface at least one item selectable by the provider, wherein selection of the at least one item causes a type, different from the first type, of the plurality of information types to be displayed in the second one of the panes.
 7. The medium of claim 2 wherein the second-type information comprises at least one selectable frequently asked question (FAQ) corresponding to an operation of the set of operations.
 8. The medium of claim 2 wherein the FAQ comprises a hyperlink to informational data.
 9. The medium of claim 8 wherein: the user interface is generated by a first electronic device; and the informational data is stored on a second client device coupled to the first electronic device through a network.
 10. The medium of claim 2 having further computer-executable instructions for performing the step of generating in the user interface at least one item selectable by the provider, wherein selection of the at least one item causes a type, different from the second type, of the plurality of information types to be displayed in the third one of the panes.
 11. The medium of claim 1 having further computer-executable instructions for performing the step of generating in the user interface at least one item selectable by the provider, wherein selection of the at least one item causes an operation of the set of operations to be performed.
 12. A method implementable in an electronic system coupled to an electronic device, the electronic device being coupled to a display device, the method comprising: (a) serving to the electronic device a web page displayable on the display device, the displayed web page including a user interface comprising a frame and at least one stile defining a plurality of panes within the frame, wherein: (1) in a first one of the panes, at least one field configured to receive tax data, the tax data comprising a response to a specific solicitation for tax-related information posted in the first one of the panes, the response selected from a set containing both correct and incorrect responses displayed within at least one of the panes, the response being input by a user who is a tax-data provider, is displayed; and (2) in a second one of the panes, user-selectable information for assisting the user in determining a correct response from the set of correct and incorrect responses posted in at least one of the panes is displayed; wherein the first one and second one of the panes are displayed in the user interface at the same time upon activation of the user interface; providing for the user to select the user-selectable information in the second one of the panes for assisting the user in determining a correct response; receiving information indicative of a selection by the user of information in the second one of the panes for assisting the user in determining the correct response; displaying in the user interface information for assisting the user in determining the correct response, wherein during said display of information, said at least one field configured to receive tax data in the first one of the panes remains selectable by and fully visible to the user, wherein the display of the information for assisting the user in determining the correct response does not launch another user interface; and (b) receiving the response input by the user from the electronic device.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising preparing a tax return using the received input tax data.
 14. The method of claim 12 wherein the web page is served to the electronic device through a network.
 15. The method of claim 12 wherein: the display device includes a display characteristic; and the method further comprises configuring display of the user interface in accordance with the display characteristic.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising automatically detecting the display characteristic.
 17. The method of claim 12 wherein: the user interface is displayed within a window displayable on the display device, the window having a display area adjustable by the provider; and the method further comprises configuring display of the user interface in accordance with adjustment of the display area.
 18. A method of transferring a computer program product from at least one first electronic device to at least one second electronic device connected to the at least one first electronic device through a communication medium, the method comprising the steps of: (a) accessing, on the at least one first electronic device, computer-executable instructions that, when executed on a data-processing system, perform at least the steps of: (1) generating in a user interface a frame and at least one stile defining a plurality of panes within the frame; (2) displaying in a first one of the panes at least one field configured to receive tax data, the tax data comprising a response to a specific solicitation for tax-related information posted in the first one of the panes, the response selected from a set containing both correct and incorrect responses displayed within at least one of the panes, the response being input by a user who is a tax-data provider; and (3) displaying in a second one of the panes user-selectable information for assisting the provider in determining a correct response from the set of correct and incorrect responses posted in at least one of the panes; wherein the first one and second one of the panes are displayed in the user interface at the same time upon activation of the user interface; providing for the user to select the user-selectable information in the second one of the panes for assisting the user in determining a correct response; receiving information indicative of a selection by the user of information in the second one of the panes for assisting the user in determining the correct response; displaying in the user interface information for assisting the user in determining the correct response, wherein during said display of information, said at least one field configured to receive tax data in the first one of the panes remains selectable by and fully visible to the user, wherein the display of the information for assisting the user in determining the correct response does not launch another user interface; and (b) transferring a set of the computer-executable instructions from the at least one first electronic device to the at least one second electronic device through the communications medium.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein the computer-executable instructions further perform the step of preparing a tax return using the input tax data.
 20. The method of claim 18 wherein the communications medium comprises a network.
 21. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing steps comprising: generating in a user interface a frame and at least one stile defining a plurality of panes within the frame; displaying in a first one of the panes at least one field configured to receive tax data from a tax-data provider; displaying in a second one of the panes at least one user-selectable hyperlink to information for assisting the user in performing a first operation of a set of operations posted in at least one of the panes using the user interface; wherein the first one and second one of the panes are displayed in the user interface at the same time upon activation of the user interface; providing for the user to select the user-selectable hyperlink in the second one of the panes for assisting the user in performing a first operation; receiving information indicative of a selection by the user of a hyperlink in the second one of the panes for assisting the user in performing a first operation; upon receiving from the provider a selection of the hyperlink, displaying a third pane and a web page in the third pane comprising the information; wherein during said display of said web page, said at least one field configured to receive tax data in the first one of the panes remains selectable by and fully visible to the user, wherein the display of the web page comprising the information for assisting the user in determining the correct response does not launch another user interface; and preparing a tax return using the input tax data. 